SANCTUARY OLONANA MASAI MARA KENYA 14 LUXURY SUITES Sanctuary Olonana is an award-winning safari lodge on a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Kenya s most famous game reserve, the Masai Mara.
LUXURY, NATURALLY Adventure, enchantment and Luxury, naturally - all delivered with a quiet, understated charm and understanding of place is the guiding philosophy of Sanctuary Retreats and our luxury safari lodge, Sanctuary Olonana. Sanctuary Olonana is an exceptional safari lodge located on a private stretch of the Mara River at the foot of the impressive Siria Escarpment, close to where the famous last scene from Out of Africa was filmed. Set in lush woodland on the banks of the Mara River in the Masai Mara, where the great outdoors is invited indoors with 14 glass-sided suites. USPS Located in a private concession bordering the epic Masai Mara Luxury safari accommodation built on the banks of the Mara River Easy access to the Great Wildebeest Migration, only 45 minutes flight from Nairobi Very strong conservation and community interaction Offers an array of activities including game drives, cultural visits, bush dinners, sundowners, balloon flights and scenic flights Complimentary Wi-Fi in the rooms ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES Overlooking the Mara River, award-winning Sanctuary Olonana, our first ever luxury safari property, is the idyllic location to experience a classic and authentic African safari. This luxury safari lodge is an exclusive hideaway complete with library, swimming pool, and the freedom to enjoy a three course dinner deep in the bush or on the private river-view terrace of one of the 14 luxurious suites. Built on the banks of the Mara River, the 14 glass-sided suites at Sanctuary Olonana are at least 130 sqm in size and feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that fold open to reveal magnificent Mara River views. Three suites boats an extra bedroom, ideal for families. Sumptuous king-sized beds, with overhead fans, glamorous ensuites and a daybed on the deck invite you to relax inside or out, while the sprawling lower lounge area offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The main dining area, lounge and vast decking area command views over a dramatic stretch of the river. There is also a mini-spa offering luxurious treatments ranging from facials to body massages. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the rooms. Electricity supply is a combination of silent packed generator, solar power and battery system. LOCATION AND GETTING THERE Sanctuary Olonana is located in the Masai Mara on a private stretch of the Mara River. The camp is accessible by air via the Kichwa Tembo Airstrip which is approximately 20 minutes drive from Sanctuary Olonana. Flying time: Nairobi Wilson Airport NBO (WIL) to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip (KTC) - 45 minutes Road transfer: From Nairobi to Sanctuary Olonana 6 hours PLEASE NOTE: The luggage restriction for light aircrafts is 15kg / 33lbs per person in a soft-sided bag.
GAME VIEWING AND ACTIVITIES The Masai Mara Reserve is legendary for its abundance of wildlife. Fabulous for seeing big cats, their prey and all of the Big Five year-round, the Mara is also the stage for the greatest show on Earth - the wildebeest migration. From around July to October millions of grunting wildebeest and zebra cover the plains, often crossing the Mara River and moving between Tanzania and Kenya, closely followed by crocodile, lion and cheetah. Key wildlife include: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, impala, wildebeest. The following activities are included in your stay: Game drives: At Sanctuary Olonana, game viewing starts from the camp. A pod of hippos lives permanently in the river just below camp and many other species come to drink there. Sanctuary Retreats experienced guides take you to all the hidden spots and our customised open safari vehicles offer all-round views, allowing for excellent photography opportunities. The Mara s rich eco-system includes acacia-studded savannah, riparian forest and woodland which attract more than 300 bird species and a stunning variety of animal life all year round. Maasai Village Visit: Get an insight into the vibrant and still traditional way of life of the Maasai. Learn about the medicinal plants that grow here, the importance of cattle and the stages of life through which all Maasai pass, from young boy or girl to respected elder. Accompanied by an experienced Maasai guide, you are invited to visit the village which is built along traditional lines; complete with cattle enclosure, outer palisade and mud and cow dung huts. Nature walks: Walk with our naturalist and learn about plants, trees and insects and their use in the daily lives of the Maasai tribe. Visit our award-winning wetlands, which cleanse wastewater naturally before returning it to the environment. There is an opportunity to plant a tree, leaving a positive mark in Africa. Our naturalist shares his intimate knowledge of the surrounding environment and how many of the trees and plants are used for medicinal purposes. Your guide will also point out animal signs which are everywhere, but not that easily noticed. Local School Visit: More and more popular are the visits organised by our guides to a variety of local schools during school term. These visits are free but we would recommend a donation to the school of anything upward of $15 per person. ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Hot air balloon safari: Your balloon is inflated against the first rays of sunrise and once aloft floats gently over the plains and the plethora of game. After about one hour the balloon lands and nearby, breakfast is already being prepared. The smells of bacon, sausages and eggs drift on the breeze as you begin breakfast with platefuls of Kenyan fruits and pastries and, of course, glasses of bubbly to toast your flight. Spa Treatments: Between activities, relax at our mini-spa which offers a range of treatments from facials to body massages. With spectacular views over the Mara River and the soothing sound of the river and hippos in the background - you ll have no choice but to relax. Africology uses healing essences of some of South Africa s indigenous plants, Rooibos, Aloe Ferox, Marula and African Potato. They are dermatologically tested to EU standards, not tested on animals nor use any animal products. Additional activities are at an additional cost and can be pre-booked or booked while guests are in camp. A TYPICAL DAY ON SAFARI Schedule: 06:30 Wake-up call 07:00 Breakfast 07:30 Depart for morning game drive 12:00 Lunch 14:00 Optional Activity (Maasai Village Visit/Nature walk) 15:45 Afternoon tea 16:00 Depart for afternoon game drive 18:00 Sundowners 19:00 Dinner
HONEYMOONS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS Guests celebrating their honeymoon will receive special surprises during their stay. All attempts are made to keep honeymooners separate from other guests. Our honeymoon services include: Special honeymooner welcome Fruit Basket in the room Private meals on deck A bottle of sparkling wine during dinner Traditional Maasai blessing ceremony Complimentary 30 minute back massage and spa treatments at reduced rates Complimentary private vehicle (subject to availability) FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN We welcome children of all ages at Sanctuary Olonana. With spacious family suites and a wide variety of activities for guests of all ages, Sanctuary Olonana is the perfect choice for a family safari in Kenya. Activities can be arranged especially for children including tailored game drives, nature walks, treasure hunts, bird watching and animal print identification. Visits to the local Maasai village can include a variety of activities including mock spear throwing, fire making, hut building and cattle herding. There is also the opportunity to help with conservation by planting a tree in Sanctuary Olonana s tree sanctuary! We are flexible with meals and meal times for children. Children aged 15 years and younger are required to share with their parents. Sanctuary Olonana offers 3 family suites, featuring two bedrooms. Private vehicle must be booked for children aged 5 or younger. Babysitting service is available on request (not a registered babysitter) at a nominal fee which will be paid directly to the child minder. Baby cots are available. DINING Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, snacks during activities and dinners are all included in your stay. Breakfast is served before the morning game activity. During your morning game viewing activity, coffee, tea and a selection of scones and biscuits will be served out in the bush. Lunch will be enjoyed back at the camp. Afternoon tea is served just before the afternoon game activity and offers a selection of cakes, sweet and savoury treats, tea, and coffee and fresh fruit juices. Afternoon and evening game drives include classic sundowner cocktails and canapés at specially selected spots before returning to the camp for pre-dinner drinks and dinner. Romantic private dinners on your room deck or by the pool can be arranged upon request. With prior notice, our camps are able to arrange halaal meals, however, please note our kitchens aren t strictly halaal and our chefs are not trained in halaal food preparation. Unfortunately, we are unable to arrange kosher meals. Meals typically consist of the following: Breakfast: Continental and full English Breakfast Lunch: Table d Hote Dinner: Table d Hote, 3 course meal with 2 to 3 choices, one being a vegetarian CLIMATE The climate in Kenya is mainly characterised by warm days and cool evenings. December to March are usually the warmest months of the year, while June to August are the coolest. April and May often see intermittent rains, and from September to November the days are warm with short scattered rains falling in November.
CLOTHING Clothing should be cool and comfortable; and colours should blend in with nature as much as possible. Greens, browns and khaki coloured clothing are advisable for safaris. Guests are advised to pack their swimwear. We suggest long sleeves and long trousers and for morning and evenings due to mosquitoes; and a fleece, sweater or warm jacket for morning and evening game drives. Sturdy and comfortable shoes are essential. A complimentary overnight laundry service is offered in the camp. Accessories: Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats are essential. Binoculars and good cameras are an absolute must. The camp provides a torch as well as complimentary mosquito repellent and toiletries. HEALTH Please should discuss health precautions for your travel itinerary with a qualified health professional at least six weeks before you depart. We advise all travellers to take precautions against malaria and we recommend speaking to your GP or personal physician four to six weeks before departure. A yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers to Kenya. MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS All extras can be paid for with Visa, MasterCard, American Express and traveller s cheques. US dollars, Pounds, Euro s and Kenyan Shillings are also accepted; however change will be given in the local currency. Diners Cards are not accepted. TIPPING GUIDELINE Tipping is not obligatory but generally accepted rates are $15 per guest per day for the guide and $10 per guest per day for the rest of the staff. SPECIAL REQUESTS Sanctuary Olonana prides itself on its personalised services. Please let us know if you have any special requests, dietary requirements, allergies or medical conditions.
PHILANTHROPY PROJECTS Enkereri Village and school: Enkereri Village, is located at the top of the Siria Escarpment close to Sanctuary Olonana. This Maasai village actively works on projects to improve the way of life and education for its people. Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy is working together with Enkereri on a number of projects including extending gas piping into designated cooking huts in the village in order for them to make use of biogas, a renewable energy source used for cooking and heat. Indigenous tree planting: Make a difference while on holiday and help us combat increasing deforestation by planting your own tree in our tree nursery. Wetlands Project: Through a unique system, wastewater is cleaned and released back into the Mara River and used in the irrigation system for our tree nursery. Maasai Women s Beadwork: Guests have the opportunity to see the women producing the beadwork and purchase the handicrafts in the Sanctuary Olonana gift shop. Organic Garden: Enjoy a delicious fresh salad picked from our own organic vegetables garden - one of the simplest forms of conservation. Beekeeping training: Beekeeping training has taken place in Maji-moto. The Medung i women group were taken through training from the initial launching of hives and inspections, up to the final stage of harvesting. Future plans are for training on harvesting, proper packaging and marketing of honey production and also plans to purchase honey harvesting equipment to allow the women to handle the project without strain.
SANCTUARY OLONANA LUXURY, NATURALLY Sanctuary Retreats was born in Africa with the launch of our first luxury safari camp, Sanctuary Olonana, in Kenya, in 1999. Today, the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio of luxury safari lodges and expedition ships brings a much wider choice of our boutique adventure than ever before but our standards remain the same. We promise adventure, enchantment and Luxury, naturally, all delivered with a quiet, understated charm and understanding of place. RESERVATIONS AND ENQUIRIES For more information and for your next booking, please contact us: + (254) 20 248 7374 reservations.kenya@sanctuaryretreats.com sanctuaryretreats.com FOLLOW US: